Dental emergencies can occur at any time and with anyone. Toothache is the most common dental emergency. Finding a dentist during a dental emergency can be tricky, especially if the situation arises after hours or on the weekend. We at White Rose Family Dental offer quick, compassionate, and affordable dental care to patients facing a dental emergency, even during off hours and weekends!
Emergency Dentist

If you are experiencing a dental emergency like sudden toothache, dental infection or abscess, loose or broken teeth, trauma resulting in injury to the teeth or jaw, lost filling or crown/bridge, or even a broken appliance like a partial or complete denture, please call us immediately at 717-822-0272 to be seen right away.

We offer same-day appointments and even have evening and weekend availability as well.

You can also book an appointment with us by following the link below:
Click Here to Schedule an Appointment

99% of dental-related emergency room trips could have been handled by an emergency dental office for a fraction of the cost
AHRQ, Nov 2012

1. What is considered a dental emergency?

Sudden, sharp toothache is the most frequently encountered dental emergency. Teeth have nerves inside them called the ‘dental pulp.’ If the dental nerve gets infected due to untreated dental caries (cavities), severe gum infection, or it gets injured due to trauma, it can cause sharp, throbbing pain often excruciating and unbearable. It can start spontaneously or be elicited by a thermal stimulus like cold or heat or even by biting down hard on the tooth.

Other situations like fractured or cracked teeth, lost or broken filling, lost crown, facial swelling (cellulitis), loose teeth, or sudden trauma to the jaw resulting in complete loss of teeth (avulsion) or fracture of the jaw constitute dental emergencies and need special and immediate attention.

Lost or broken dental appliances like dentures, retainers, or mouthguards can also cause severe inconvenience and become a dental emergency.

If you need urgent dental care in York, PA; we are here to help.

2. What can an Emergency dentist do for you?

An emergency dentist is a dentist that is capable of treating oral health emergencies. Upon the patient’s arrival, a dentist quickly takes a thorough medical history, performs a comprehensive oral exam, and orders tests to diagnose the condition causing the emergency. Usually, a dental x-ray, like a panoramic or a CT scan of the affected area, may be necessary. Intra-oral pictures using a high-resolution camera may also be used to better diagnose and document the situation. Once the condition is diagnosed, a treatment plan is designed, and the dentist starts working to relieve your pain/infection. A person in severe pain may need an emergency procedure like a Root Canal, dental extraction, scaling, oral debridement, or even incision and drainage of an abscess to relieve pain and minimize the spread of dental infection. Sometimes a referral to a specialist like an oral surgeon or an endodontist is necessary. Our White Rose Family Dental team is trained and prepared to help you in any dental emergency.

3. What to look for in an emergency dentist?

Look for someone with experience and compassion. A dentist who has completed a hospital-based internship and has years of experience treating medically complex patients may be your best bet in case of a dental emergency. Make sure the dentist uses the most modern, up-to-date diagnostic tools and procedures like digital radiographs and intra-oral scanners/cameras. It is prudent to call your dental insurance company and choose a dentist who is in-network and participates with your dental plan so that your out-of-pocket costs are minimum. Check out Google reviews for the dentist you plan to visit to ensure he/she has a good reputation in the community and can treat various dental emergencies. Call the office to see how soon they can see you, as time is the most important factor in case of a dental emergency. A well-trained dentist who is willing to see you right away can help you in a sudden emergency. Review their website and check their list of services. Review their pricing and practice financing options by calling and speaking with the front desk staff/dentist, especially if you have no dental insurance or are retired and on a fixed income.

Choosing an emergency dentist does not have to feel stressful. Instead, use the above tips to start vetting your options.

Don’t wait to seek help. We are here to help you at all times and under all circumstances.

You’ll have peace of mind knowing a qualified dentist is just a phone call away!
Please call us at 717-822-0272 to seek immediate and timely dental care at reasonable prices.

4. What to do until your dental emergency is treated?

If you are experiencing a severe toothache that gets worse when you lie down on a bed, it is suggestive of advanced nerve damage in a tooth; also called Irreversible Pulpitis.

In such a case, call your dentist immediately and request a prescription for antibiotics and analgesics. You can take over-the-counter painkillers like Advil, Motrin, or Tylenol to ease the pain until you can see the dentist. Apply ice or cold compresses from outside in case you notice facial swelling. DO NOT APPLY HEAT at all in case of a bad toothache. Heat can allow the bacteria in the mouth to multiply rapidly and can allow the spread of dental infection. Before swallowing strong analgesics like ibuprofen, make sure you have had some food in the stomach. Most analgesics are strong acids; you need to take them with food or milk to neutralize their acidity.

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or hydrogen peroxide to prevent the spread of infection. If you are bleeding from a deep cut or a wound in the mouth, apply wet gauze/sponge firmly to the area to stop the bleeding.

Suppose you have a chipped tooth or a lost filling. In that case, you can also go to a local drug store like CVS and buy a temporary filling material to place yourself in the damaged tooth to prevent food or liquids from getting into that hole and causing further discomfort.

Most importantly, do not panic; stay calm and seek care from a qualified dentist immediately.

We at White Rose Family dental strive to provide affordable, compassionate care during times of emergency.

Please call us at 717-822-0272 or book an appointment by clicking here.

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